one. You will be
_surprised_ when informed, from the lowest to the highest class. The
agent in your city, and most likely in your department, has yet to be
discovered. This is as certain as what we have learned (his arrest, I
mean), for the party in whose hands the mail is put coming from your
city is known to us; and we have only to learn who gives him the mail,
which can be done upon arrest, if _not sooner_, to know everything. What
shall be done with the parties (spies, of course) when we are ready to
act? If you ever intimate that _trials are tedious_, etc., the enemy
seize citizens from some neighborhood as hostages, when their emissaries
are disturbed. _I will dispatch_, if it be authorized, and that will end
the matter. The lady I spoke to you of is the fountain-head. What to do
with females troubles me, for I dislike to be identified with their
arrest.

"I request that a good boat, with three torpedoes, and a man who
understands working them, be sent to Milford to report to me at Edge
Hill. Let the man be _mum_ on all questions. I would meet him at
Milford, if I knew the day (distance is twenty-five miles), with a
wagon, to take him, torpedoes, and boat to the point required. I must be
sure of the day.

"Have the following advertisement published in Monday's papers:

"'YANKEES ESCAPED! $1000 REWARD!--A Yankee officer and three privates
escaped from prison on Thursday night, with important matter upon their
persons. The above reward will be given for their detection.'

"Let me hear from you through Cawood's Line, upon receipt of this.
Respectfully, etc. ------."

We have the spectacle now of three full generals--Johnston, Beauregard,
and Bragg--without armies to command; and the armies in the field
apparently melting away under the lead of subordinate, if not
incompetent leaders. So much for the administration of the
Adjutant-General's office.

Governor Smith is still exempting deputy sheriffs, constables, etc.--all
able-bodied.

It is rumored on the street that we intend evacuating Savannah. How did
that get out--if, indeed, such is the determination? There _are_
traitors in high places--or near them.

It is also rumored that the Danville Railroad has been cut. I don't
believe it--yet.

There is deep vexation in the city--a general apprehension that our
affairs are rapidly approaching a crisis such as has not been
experienced before. There is also much denunciation of the President for
the removal